I wonder what percentage of people in the world suffers from triskaidekaphobia. I love 13. Magic starts with M and M is the thirteenth letter in the alphabet. Additionally, my name has 13 letters. So thats why I think 13 is a great number. Because of that, I sincerely hope 2013 is a great year for everyone. Welcome to it.

2012 was an interesting year. (For some, calling it interesting is being charitable.)

A hard-working and talented performer got his first major television show. A quiet performer had to speak through the courts. An old castle got a new king. A psychic attended not one but two magicians conventions (and was well received). A mime, musician, and magician faces her fears and for the first time lecturesvery successfullyin front of magicians. A convention dies and was then resurrected. Magics biggest international stage is sullied by a self-serving autocrat. Four auctions of some great magic stuff were held. A thief among us looks at jail time. A once troubled man finds love and happiness. Magics longest running and biggest independent magazine celebrates a milestone with a one-of-a-kind party. An icon suddenly looks death in its eyes and beat it back, but otherstoo many otherslose to the bastard.

Yes, 2012 was interesting. Lets have a look:

January

On the Cover of Genii: The Los Angeles Conference on Magic History

Waiting for Oliver Stone

The fiction that Houdini was murdered will reach conspiracy-theory-critical-mass when (if) Oliver Stone makes a movie, but in the meantime, the notion is investigated on Brad Meltzers Decoded which airs on The History Channel. Result: Houdini was not murdered.

At No Time Do My Fingers Leave My HandsOUCH!!!

Paul Daniels, 73, loses the tip of the ring finger and has the index finger of his left hand surgically reattached after an accident with a circular saw while building props.

He tells BBC Radio 5 Live: "I've only lost the tip of one finger. It could have been a hell of a sight worse."

Only if Houdinis Ghost (Not Patrick, Houdini) Lives There

The third floor apartment in the Harlem, NY Brownstone once occupied by Houdini is available for rent.

SOLD! Part 1

The Larry Jennings Collection, with some Bruce Cervon items and a group of other property sell at auction. 302 of 307 Lots sell for a total hammer price of $150,275.

Magic at Carnegie Hall

After about two years of planning, Steve Cohen, the Millionaires Magician, appears at Carnegie Hall with his show, Theater of Wonder.

TV psychic Sally Morgan sues the publisher of the UKs Daily Mail over an article by magician Paul Zennon. She is asking for 150,000 for substantial damage to her reputation, as well as hurt, distress and embarrassment.

February

On the Cover of Genii: Ren Lavand

Burning Bridges and then Pissing on the Ashes

Reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal on 2/9/2012:

Joe Monti, working as a consultant to Criss Angel, was roughed up in the illusionist's office warehouse. A disagreement over a trick led to the alleged altercation during which Monti received bruises after being bumrushed out the door.

Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends

Houdini: Art and Magic opens at the Madison (Wisconsin) Museum of Contemporary Art on February 11. It is scheduled to run to May 13.

FIRED!

After being fired, Penn Jillette penned pieces as well as in-person interviews with the Las Vegas entertainer appear on various outlets where he discusses his experiences on Celebrity Apprentice, his second foray as a contestant on a reality series (the first being Dancing with the Stars in 2008).

No Laughing Matter Part 1

On February 15, Amazing Johnathan and his girlfriend Anastasia are injured when their 1967 Camaro is hit head on. Her injuries are minor, but AJ is hit in the chest by the cars old-fashioned steering column. He suffers cracked ribs and other chest and head injuries. He checked himself out of the hospital and, about a month later, returned to the stage working on a stool.

His Futures So Bright, Hes Gotta Wear Shades

Steve Cohen announces that he is working on a 2-hour TV special that will air on the History Channel.

Head Over Heels About Houdini

A never before seen photo of Houdini on stage with his Water Torture Cell makes the rounds and send the Houdini Guys into giddy exultation.

A New Sheriff in Town

The Board of Directors of the Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) announces that Joe Furlow is the new General Manager. He comes to the Castle and the AMA with an extensive background in food and beverage and private club management.

Tina Lenert accomplishes another first in her unique career as a performance artist: She lecturesquite successfullyto a room full of magicians who leave thrilled that they did not learn any new tricks (possibly another first).

March

On the Cover of Genii: Howard Thurston

Hey Lady! Wanna See a Card Trick Lady?!?

No, he doesnt really say that, but you can see Jerry Lewis do his magic in HD in the movie The Geisha Boy which is now on Blu-Ray.

Book Him and They Will Come

Richard Kaufman announces that Juan Tamariz will perform and lecture at the Genii Convention

But He Doesnt Even Drive!

David Copperfield appears in a commercial for State Farm Insurance.

SAM Museum Search Part 1

After a 2004 explosion that almost destroyed everything inside it, caretakers of the surviving 5,000 or so artifacts from the SAM Hall of Fame and Museum are searching for space to exhibit the restored and cleaned up collection.

Sims Better Than Some Reals(?)

EA (Electronic Arts) Games releases Sims Showtime 3 which allows players to select being a magician. (Though its probably still not quick enough results for the instant gratification crowd.)

Mandrake Now a Warner Contract Player

The option for the proposed Mandrake the Magician film is picked up by Warner Bros. Pictures.

An Old Friend Passes on After 80 Years

A sign of the times? Possibly. Sad? Certainly. After 80 years and 81 successful events, the Columbus (Ohio) Magi-Fest bids farewell to the shrinking world of regional magic conventions.

Copperfield Pimps for the Mouse

David Copperfieldlike all smart peopleloves Walt Disney and his contributions to humankind: Disneyland, Disneyworld, et al. In this video, made for Disneys Facebook fan site, David teaches a simple magic trick (with a Disney twist):

Though there are no details on the show itself, a casting company announces that they are looking for magicians to appear in a new major network competition style reality series (because we need more of those). The grand prize is a Las Vegas show (because we need more of those).

And the Winner Is (Part 1)

Fay Presto is the Magic Circle's Close-Up Magician of the Year.

Give Away Free Stuff and They Will Come

Richard Kaufman posts just some of the many valuable prizes that will be part of the "$10,000 Giveaway of Magic" at the Genii Convention.

It Takes a Thief

Hank Lee(thats more words than the man deserves).

April

On the Cover of Genii: Yumi

And the Winner Is (Part 2)

The Academy of Magical Arts (The Magic Castle) holds its annual awards show. The honors and awards go to:

Literary Fellowship: Roberto Giobbi

Performing Fellowship: Finn Jon

Creative Fellowship: Lubor Fiedler

Lifetime Achievement Fellowship: James Randi

Masters Fellowship: Ren Lavand

2011 Magician of the Year: Lu Chen

Awards of Merit were bestowed upon Ira Goldstein, the Skirball Cultural Center, and the Los Angeles Fire Department

Tupac Shakur momentarily returns to the stage for a performance with Snoop Dog at the Coachella Music Festival in California. The Hologram is actually a version of the Peppers Ghost illusion.

Ah Ha!!! It was His Fee that Broke the Federal Budget!

Behind only a creepy hot tub photo and an ill-advised video, mentalist Bob Garners $3,200 fee becomes one of the most widely reported and controversial aspects of a Washington, DC scandal involving the Las Vegas spending spree of $823,000 (of taxpayer money) by the General Services Administration.

Hanging Mickey

One of the 2012 Keepsake Ornaments from Hallmark is Magician Mickey.

A Thief by Any Other Name is Still a Thief

Teller files a lawsuit against (this crook gets no name recognition here) for the blatant theft of his copyright protected illusion, Shadows.

May

On the Cover of Genii: The 75th Anniversary Birthday Bash

Ooooo Its So BIG!

Not only is it the longest running independent magazine in the history of magic, Genii is the largest independent monthly magic magazine in the world!

Uh-huh-huh-huh He Said Colon

Or

You Can Walk All Over these Magicians

Or

That and $1275 Will Get You a Latte Grande

The City of Colon Michigan approves the installation of a Magic Walk of Fame. The cost for a star is a mere $1,275. There is no mention of the criteria for getting a star other than writing a check with sufficient funds.

Catching Up on the 21st Century

L&L announces that the venerable company will now be publishing some of their older book titles as eBooks. People who do not purchase eBooks complain.

Losing Out to the 21st Centruy

Swedish magic dealer Harries Magic will close its doors after being in business for three generations.

And

Barrys Magic Shop in Rockville, Maryland announces it will close in the near future. It is the last magic shop in the Washington, DC area.

He Was Just Summering at the Foot of the Italian Alps

Uri Geller appears at a magicians convention. He lectures before an appreciative audience at the Masters of Magic Convention in Saint Vincent, Italy. This news gives Richard Kaufman a radical idea

Harry Speaks!

Taking many magic history savvy magiciansand some Houdini expertsby surprise, Arthur Moses plays the unedited voice recordings of Harry Houdini reciting the patter for his Water Torture Cell. Analysis of the recordings show that the piece virtually everyone has heard is actually edited together from these two distinct recordings. A bigger mystery remains: Whose wax cylinders were these?

June

On the Cover of Genii: David Sousa

Youre Growing VERY Sleepy

A Canadian hypnotist gets international press with the claim that several members of his all-girl pre and early teen audience needed to be rescued from mass hypnosis after his performance. There was no indication that reporters actually spoke with any of the victims and asked whether or not they simply were bored into a nice deep slumber.

Richard Kaufman: Sports Authority

Richard Kaufman consults ESPN Magazine on how the 1985 NBA Draft could have been rigged.

Dont Hold Your Breath

The producers of the film adaptation of Glen David Golds Carter Beats the Devil are in talks with Phil Lord and Chris Miller (21 Jump Street) to take on the direction of the project.

H-E-Double Hockey Sticks

TV reality series Hell's kitchen features some magic in its new opening sequence.

Jules Fisher, Alan E. Muraoka, Alexander Marshall, and Max Maven are Standing at 36th and 8th(not in a bar)

It is announced that Max Maven: Thinking in Person will play Off-Broadway at the Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex beginning June 12 and running through July 1.

AGTs Got Magic Part 1

Rudy Coby and Eric Buss are among the YouTube video finalists to be voted on for appearing on America's Got Talent.

Richard Kaufman: Radical

In a very controversial move, Richard Kaufman announces that he has booked Uri Geller to appear at the Genii Bash.

July

On the Cover of Genii: Miguel Angel Gea

The Power of Teller Compels You! The Power of Teller Compels You! The Power of Teller Compels You! (Okay, yeah, I used it last year, but it still works)

The stage play based on William Peter Blatty's novel The Exorcist opens on July 3rd. It stars Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain. Teller created the special stage effects for the thriller.

Coincidence? I Dont Think So

Also on July 3, the 1954 Vincent Price horror classic The Mad Magician is released on DVD.

Go South, Young Man, Go South

It is announced that the PCAM convention will return to Southern California in 2013. It will be held in Burbank, California on August 1 through 4. Check it out at http://pcam2013.com/

Plus a Couple of Latte Grandes

It is announced that Penn & Teller will be getting a Star on Hollywood Boulevard in 2013 (for Live Theatre).

People Suck Part (Ive lost count)

Because of irresponsible people who have released the animals into the Everglades where, since they have no natural enemies, they are flourishing and having a detrimental effect on the ecosystem, the importing and interstate transport of Burmese Pythons is now illegal.

There is, of course, an unintended consequence of the law. Magicians, like Florida illusionist Lance Gifford, have been forced to give up performing with these snakes (which are usually well cared for pets as well as performing partners).

FISM 2012s Narcissist and Chief

In the second paragraph of what is supposed to be a Welcome Address to FISM attendees in the conference program, Derek Lever levels unwarranted, unnecessary, and self-indulgent personal attacks on Craig Mitchell and Richard Kaufman.

The Etruscans, the Greeks, the Gauls, the Romans, and Now the Magicians!

FISM 2015 will be held in Rimini, Italy

And the Winner Is (Part 3)

FISM 2012 Winners:

Grand Prix stage Yu Ho Jin

Grand Prix close up Yann Frisch

1st Place General magic Marko Karvo

Most Original in Stage - Ted Kim

1st Place Comedy Magic Doble Mandoble

1st Place Manipulation Yu Ho Jin

1st Place Parlor Yann Frisch

1st Place Cards Jan Logemann

1st Place Micro Magic Andost

1st Place Illusions Marcel Prince of Illusions

1st Place Mentalism Not Awarded
2nd Place Mentalism Kristoph Kuch

Invention Award Tango

Most Original in Close-Up Simon Coronel

Creativity and Artistic Vision Teller

History, Research, and Scholarship Mike Caveney

Theory Eugene Burger

Fiasco Inadequate Substandard Miserable

By all legitimate reports, FISM 2012 in Blackpool was not a good event. Virtually every aspect had preventable problems that could be laid directly at the feet of its organizer. One upside was the talent of the winners (but even the announcement of the names of the champions was fouled up). Another upsideone that, try as he might, not even Derek Lever could screw up, was the international camaraderie that FISM will always be famous for. 2015 will be here before we know it.

August

On the Cover of Genii: Real Secrets

No Room at the Inn

The hotel where the Genii Bash will be held is now fully booked.

Documenting Magic

The documentary The Magic Lifea film by Nelson Changfeatures Juliana Chen, Jonathan Levit, and Richard Turner.

In Their Spare Time they Have a Show in Las Vegas

It is announced that a Penn & Teller themed haunted attraction will be part of Universal Studios Orlandos Halloween Horror Nights.

Dave Does Oprah

Oprah Winfrey, via her show, Next Chapter, visits with David Copperfield on his island Musha Cay. The episode features rare personal insights from the reticent illusionist, some time with his girlfriend, and a tour of the unique island resort.

AGTs Got Magic Part 2

The 2012 season of Americas Got Talent included several magicians: Hawley Magic (Jonathan and Trisha Hawley, illusions), Spencer Horsman (escapes), Eric Dittelman (mentalism), Puck, Rudy Coby, Eric Buss (though he chose not to do magic and instead did his Snake Can act that has been seen, and seen, and seen). Puck makes it into the semi-finals.

Another Into the Hopper

Chernin Entertainment is developing a film adaptation of Brian Selznicks The Houdini Box. (Selznick is the author of The Invention of Hugo Cabret, which was made into the Scorsese film, Hugo.) The story is about a boy who meets his idol, Houdini, and later learns that the great magician left the boy a mysterious box after his death.

Keeping the Dream Alive

David Copperfield purchases, then donates to the National Civil Rights Museum, an interview on audiotape of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The reel-to-reel tape, which is over 50 years old, was found in a Tennessee attic.

Remembering Tim

Eric Mead announces that he is taking on the task of writing a book on the work of his late friend, Tim Conover.

News of Its Demise was Premature

Joshua Jay and Andi Gladwin lead a team keeping the Columbus Magi-Fest alive. (And check out the great lineup at http://www.magifest.org/ ).

September

On the Cover of Genii: Woody Aragon

Mr. Magic Goes to Washington

The SAM announces that its 2013 National Convention will be held in Washington, DC.

The Inevitable March of Time Takes its Toll

After 35 years of continuous performances, Le Grand David and His Spectacular Magic Companythe longest running magic show in the worldannounces that there will not be a 2012 2013 season.

With That Accent, Hes Got a Career in Infomercials in the USA if He Moves Here

The Genii Forums favorite goat, Damian Jennings, launches the first of several Genii Bash Podcasts leading up to the big event. The first episode features Uri Geller. Subsequent podcasts showcase interviews with Guy Hollingworth, Max Maven, Jon Armstrong, Jonathan Pendragon, Ian Kendall, Peter Samelson, David Ben, and Jon Racherbaumer.

Tanking at the Magic Castle

The Magic Castle is featured on the Animal Planet networks reality series Tanked. Academy President Neil Patrick Harris commissions a custom made freshwater fish tank. Constructed to look like Houdinis Water Torture Cellcomplete with Harry his own self, upside down and in a straightjacket, inside the tankit is installed in the Inner Circle area of the Castle.

Getting Carded at the Magic Castle

The Magic Castle releases newly designed Magic Castle Playing Cards.

No Laughing Matter Part 2

Michael Weber has emergency heart surgery. He is tweeting within days of the procedure and is well on his way to a full recovery.

SAM Museum Search Part 2

The SAM Hall of Fame and Museum finds a new home at the Whittier Historical Society and Museum in Whittier, California. The space is not adequate to hold all of the artifacts, so the display will be continually changed making return visits a must. The exhibit will be there for about a year. The Whittier Museum is open to the public on weekends.

SOLD! Part 2

A huge auction at Bloomsburys in London included 411 lots of magic and kindred materials. Only 228 of the lots sold for a total hammer price of 48,580.

I Know When I Think of Houdini, I Think of Texas

It is announced that on October 31, 2012 at the Masonic Center in Fort Worth, Texas, Arthur Moses and Derek Kennedy will host the 86th Official Houdini Sance.

Shes Widowed to Magic Already

West McDonough and Jonathan Pendragon are wed on Saturday, September 22. Their big honeymoon plans? Why the Genii Bash in Orlando, Florida of course, where they are featured performers!

October

On the Cover of Genii: Max Malini

Large Charge

David Blaine spends three days and nights in New York City wearing a chainmail suit and surrounded by several Tesla Coils generating one million volts of electricity. The stunt is called "Electrified: One Million Volts Always On."

The Big Birthday Bash

Geniis 75th Anniversary Birthday Bash in Orlando, Florida is one for the ages.

Teller Speaks in Esquire

Teller is interviewed in Esquire about the pending litigation over the theft of his illusion Shadows.

Documenting Ricky

Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay debuts at the New York Film Festival. Molly Bernstein and Alan Edelstein's documentary chronicles the career Ricky Jay.

BANNED!

For having the temerity to write the truth about the disaster that was FISM 2012 in the pages of Genii, Richard Kaufman joins the list of those banned from the annual Blackpool convention by its producer, Derek Lever.

The Waldorf-Astoria, Carnegie Hall, and Now the Television

What is hopefully his first of many, Steve Cohens television special, Lost Magic Decoded airs on The History Channel. During the shows fast-paced two hours, Cohen studies and recreates several of magics most historic illusions. (A behind the scenes article on the show written by Mr. Cohen appears in the January 2013 issue of Genii.)

SOLD! Part 3

The Charles Reynolds Auction is held on October 27. 319 of 330 lots sell for a total hammer price of $203,440.

The Magic Castle Goes Hollywood

Producer Ted Field and Radar Pictures are developing a major film project around the Magic Castle. (The Magic Castle is now represented by the high-powered agency CAA.)

I Know When I Think War, I Think Cupcakes

Ed Alonzo is a guest judge on an episode of Cupcake Wars (hosted by Justin Willman, aka Justin Kredible) where magic and the Magic Castle is the main theme. Magicians Joel Ward and Ferrell Dillon join the finalists as part of their presentations.

Okay, a Few More Words

Hank Lees Magic Factory ceases operations.

November

On the Cover of Genii: See December (double issue)

Discovering Wayne

Breaking Magic, a new series starring Wayne Houchin along with Ben Hanlin, Billy Kidd, and James Galea premieres on the Discovery Channel. The show entertainingly combines magic and science.

DC Q&A in VF

Please to enjoy a brief interview of David Copperfield in the November Vanity Fair:

After first recognizing the MacMillan Familythe founders of the International Magic Convention in Londonwith its Berglas Award, David Berglass Foundation for Promoting the Art of Magic has since also bestowed the award on Uri Geller, David Copperfield, Juan Tamariz, and Derren Brown. Add Jeff McBride to that list as he is the 2012 recipient.

Waiting For Hofzinser

After more than a decade since the publication of the first volume, Magic Christian has completed his monumental series of booksNon Plus Ultraon the life and magic of Johann Nepomuk Hofzinser with the release of the third volume (itself published in two books). Hermetic Press will be publishing the English editions once the considerable job of translating them is done.

No Laughing Matter Part 3

The sight was so horrific that some people thought that it had to be staged; that it was some kind of publicity stunt; that it couldnt be real. But nothing could be further from the truth. During an appearance on a Dominican Republic television show, Wayne Houchins head was deliberately set on fire by the shows deranged host. Wayne suffered second-degree burns to his face and hand. The story made national news and the disturbing video went viral. Wayne is currently at his Chico, California home recovering. The perpetrator fled the country after a warrant for his arrest was issued by Dominican authorities.

December

On the Cover of Genii: A Rabbit in Christmas Stocking [Cartoon by Mickey OMalley] (November/December Double Issue)

Big, Bigger, Biggest

At 196 pages and perfect bound, Genii publishes its largest issue in the 75 year history of the magazine. Richard Kaufman personally selects over 70 tricksfrom the countless published over the decadesthat are reprinted in the issue. Along with those, a marvelous and comprehensive history of the magazine is written by Max Maven.

Its the Hair, Right? Chicks Dig the Hair

Dan Sperry makes the top three on Germanys version of Got Talent.

More Free Stuff From the Chief Genii (What does that other place offer?)

Flash contests on the Genii Forum result in members receiving free tricks, books, videos, and more.

Its a Mystery Part 1

An unnamed individual is currently working on the huge job of transcribing Bruce Cervons videotaped notesall of the material that followed that which appeared in his printed notes, released by L&Lfor publication.

SOLD! Part 4

The Alan J. Kanter Magic Poster Auction is held. 56 of 59 items are sold. Based on the (questionable) estimates, the auction is not a success. With a Low Estimate of $576,600, the total realized is only $197,975.

Funny? Sad? Funny/Sad?

The trailer for long awaited comedy The Incredible Burt Wonderstone starring Steve Carell and Jim Carrey is released. Yes, it looks funny, but is that what enters peoples (and Hollywoods powers that be) minds when they think of magic and magicians? Hmmm

Look, Look, Look: Another Street Magic Show

Magic Man starring J.B. Benn (who is a fine magician and has television experience) premieres on the Travel Channel. Reaction from we magic community types is less than enthusiastic, but hey, hes on the tube and we aint.

And it Was a Slow Year

Dodd Vickers, whose work as a location manager has been keeping him busy, still managed to produce podcast interviews with Howard Hamburg, Gazzo, Johnny Thompson, Harry Riser, and Bob White throughout 2012. He also passed the two million download milestone. Congratulations Dodd, and please keep up the good work!

Its a Mystery Part 2

Richard Kaufman announces that he is working on a secret project. It is to be a collection of material by one of the most famous close-up magicians in the last quarter of the 20th century. He published some during his lifetime, but [not] nearly enough, and he died prematurely. Kaufman also noted that the project is not a book. The guessing and sleuthing begins

The IBM Hooks Lance

As anyone who followed the goings on at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas knows, Lance Burtons Teen Weekend became a big part of the event since he started it in 1994 (the 2010 documentary Make Believed followed several youngsters preparing for the competition part of the weekend). The WMS is no longer run, so Lance had to find another home for his event. The IBM will host it at their 2013 National Convention in Phoenix, Arizona.

The Final Curtain

Without a doubt, this is the part of this project that I dislike the most. Some say that as long as there are people who never forget them, those who pass away never completely die. It is a lovely sentiment. So please take a moment to remember those who left us this past year:

While not well-known to most magicians (he was too busy performing), Edd performed for hundreds of thousands of school children in a career that spanned more than half a century performing in over 18,000 school shows. His life and work was covered in a book (2008) by Bill Rauscher that also bears Edd's name (http://www.mysticlightpress.com/index.php?page_id=148).

I understand that one cannot expect to see the name of every person who "dabbled" in magic (and that passed away) in an end of the year retrospective, but Edd certainly deserves some mention...

The full-time professionals working in the trenches (as Paul Green would say) may not often appear in the mainstream magic magazines, but they are definitely responsible for keeping the performance of magic in the public eye. More people see magic performed live every year in places *other* than LA or Vegas than ever could fit in The Magic Castle or the showrooms of Vegas, but they don't often get the same level of coverage.

My point was not to criticize; it was to bring some attention to one individual. It is simply representative of the scores of performers, creators and innovators who don't strive for the "magic spotlight", and whose work is focused instead on the lay public.

Unfortunately, many magic organizations, media and consumers are often driven by a fascination with magic "celebrities" and a romantic notion of magic rather than what is being done at the local and regional levels...

It would be wonderful to see more attention being focused on innovative lesser-known work in the field (which might provide up-and-comers with something to aspire to). I was particularly struck by this on viewing a recent cover of M-U-M perpetuating a misogynistic (and frankly out-of-date) perspective of the roles of both magician and assistant.

Most of which has nothing to do with the wonderful work you put into this article and the mature way that Genii tackles our bizarre little field of interest...

Andrew: As a practical matter, we cannot run obits (or even mentions) of every magician, no matter how good or bad, when they die. It's just not possible. Here is where the Linking Ring and M-U-M have an important function in reporting the deaths of the members of their organizations.

Andrew Pinard wrote:The full-time professionals working in the trenches (as Paul Green would say) may not often appear in the mainstream magic magazines, but they are definitely responsible for keeping the performance of magic in the public eye.

Andrew makes a good point. The 'magic industry' is quite focused on the community of magicians. And maybe that is right, and is what is of most interest to other magicians. But the majority of magic performances bear little relationship (for goood or bad) to those discussed in magic magazines.
It would be good to find some way to recognise those magicians who perform great magic for the general public; but who don't appear on TV, don't sell new variations on old tricks, don't develop routines for magic conventions.
mrgoat is a good example here; he's been performing magic for many years, using very strong material. But his first mention in the year reviews is for his podcasting for a magic convention.

I don't know that anything should change; would other magicians actually be interested in mrgoat's Ambitious Card routine? I think they would be more interested in the latest non-gimmicked version of the reverse asssembly (PM me for details). But maybe the passing of Edd is a good reminder that most magic is for non-magicians.

This is absolutely not meant as a criticism of Dustin's review, which I read with interest.

As I said, that is where the IBM and SAM's magazines have a valuable role to play in the magic community. The deaths of members are recognized there on a monthly basis. As it is, due to space limitations, I have to pick and choose who gets space and who doesn't, or how much. Not my favorite task.

I have to say I can't believe there was absolutely no mention of one of the bigger stories of the year.

"Nothing to Hide" at the Geffen Theatre.

The show completely sold out its six week run, and has extended four weeks (and will almost certainly extend beyond that). It was even reviewed in the New York Times... which is almost unheard of for a small LA theatre show.

John, it's a big story for folks who live in LA, but for the rest of us not so much. When they hit Off-Broadway, THAT'S big news since many people from all over the country travel to New York specifically to see shows.

Richard Kaufman wrote:John, it's a big story for folks who live in LA, but for the rest of us not so much. When they hit Off-Broadway, THAT'S big news since many people from all over the country travel to New York specifically to see shows.

How many other magic shows played any city with a new show, got rave reviews and extended their run?

That's ridiculous. You thought a shorter, smaller informal version of this show that only ran for a few performances was important enough to run an entire article about in your magazine. But a much longer version with a very successful run at a legitimate theatre with rave reviews is not worthy of a one-sentence mention in an on-line "end of year" news review? That's utter insanity.

Was it posted on the Genii Forum somewhere (particularly the NYT review)? Everything in this review comes from stuff that was posted here. Granted, I miss a lot and ignore a lot. But it's aggravating to me when I miss something noteworthy. However, I don't recall seeing anything directly about the show (which is to say that it was in the subject line of the thread; not just a post in the middle of some other thread) here on the Forum.

And I am not taking any of these comments negatively. I appreciate the input!

I have to get one more point off my chest. The notion that the only theatre that counts are New York/Broadway productions may have been true 100 years ago, but no informed person has believed that for the last 40 years. Even artists who only work on Broadway stopped believing that 20 years ago.

(And I'm not saying that because I live in LA. I live here, but I'm not from here. I say that as someone who has worked in New York, including on Broadway).

Last edited by John Lovick on 01/02/13 05:57 PM, edited 0 times in total.
Reason:changed "enlightened" to "informed"

Richard, your perception of the importance of New York is provincial and antiquated. I was certainly pleased that Dustin included my three-week off-Broadway run, but the ongoing success of Derek & Helder's show in L.A. is more significant, and hence more worthy of inclusion.

That said, as usual, Dustin's recap was both informative and funny. Sure, he missed some stuff (e.g., I did two television series in 2012, and produced the greatly revised AMA awards show), but really the only missing credit that I felt was egregious was that he left out the identity of the person who performed the service at the Pendragon wedding...